A SPECIAL open-air church service in the Sunday afternoon sunshine proved a big hit with worshippers.

The alfresco event at Woking United Reformed Church was held with a community barbecue as well as musical and dramatic performances.

There were burgers and sausages for visitors to the White Rose Lane church and the congregation was treated to mime performances and readings before the minister, the Rev Lucy Brierley, gave her sermon.

Rev Brierley said: “We normally hold a monthly service of music and multimedia that takes place in the church building.

“So we thought we would open it up to everyone in the summer by taking it outside and putting on a free barbecue as well.”

Her husband Justin added: “The theme of the service was the gospel and we had a band, which played contemporary Christian music. This was the first time we have done this but because it was so popular there are plans to do it again.

“Our lively evening services have only been going for six months but people enjoy them and come from all over Woking to join in.”

During a similar event in July churchgoers enjoyed a picnic on the grass in front of the churchwhile they watched performances by musicians and a drama troupe.